Discovered by Cameron CONSUMPTION McKirdy
Survival Bros discovers an alien message hidden in tye dye! Look at another life form caught in the paranormal design of a mystical, extraterrestrial, XL t-shirt! Location of the discovery site is Eugene, Oregon, USA. What do you make of this other worldly sign? #yinyang
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By Cameron McKirdy
I spent the weekend on the Oregon Coast in Seaside, and had spare time to experiment with a new Art project. First, I dug through a recycling bin for cardboard to create a small handmade sign with a permanent pen. Then I rounded up some fun objects I didn’t need anymore, like a Smokey The Bear keychain whistle. These goods would be available to begin the open bartering. I spread out a towel, and placed the trinkets on The Prom’s concrete path.
With little effort, and few resources, a self-serve system was born. A take one, leave one blanket is a place where an item of any kind can freely be exchanged as you see fit. Share this concept with people in your town. You wouldn’t believe the response. Nearly every biker, and pedestrian stopped their forward progress to figure out what was going on. This open trading system seemed to inspire, confuse, and even make some people greedy.
I may have seen people taking without giving, thinking nobody was looking, but I’m not sure. Others had no issue taking nice items, like a Tree of Life necklace pendant, and replacing it with trash. I found the blanket riddled with wrappers, cardboard scraps, and even half of a marijuana cigarette. Take a close look at the pictures, and you’ll see other small stuff, like a paperclip, pocket change, flower, price tag sticker, and a pile of sand from the beach.
I discretely checked back every few hours for a day, and saw some of the action in person. People generously placed beautiful possessions with little hesitation. There were cool things left behind that I didn’t get a picture of, because I didn’t want to interrupt the process. My favorite moment was when a 12-year old girl named Krystin Crawford set down her hand painted sand dollars. She took a braided piece of grasses someone constructed. The girl enjoyed sharing the Art she made, and getting involved. See her craftsmanship below. The found, and re-purposed shells were adorable. Krystin and her mom came back to the free exchange place the following morning with a positive attitude. Everything had changed. This artist endeavour has restored my faith in humanity once and for all, despite some shady, but acceptable transactions by others.
In conclusion, I will try this social experiment again. I was thrilled to see this interactive art piece evolve rapidly. I saw joy on many of the participants faces. This free trading system can be implemented anywhere, at anytime. Let’s spread the concept, and see the random generousity of others displayed in public. And remember, you’ll usually get more than you give. Leave a comment, or question if you like. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.
Wikipedia information on Bartering and Gift Economy
Oregon Country Faire Take One, Leave One blanket from 2015
This picture courtesy of Regina Mattingly
By Cam
Out of nowhere, my VW Bus is struggling to start. Everything electrical flickers. The radio cuts out. The engine sputters. Plus, the battery and OXS (oxygen sensor) light came on. I called Avery’s Air-Cooled in Kelso, WA and they helped me diagnose the problem over the phone. We figured the issue was a faulty voltage regulator. Mechanics Jason and Kelly had a $40 Bosch part, and installed the unit for only $29. But before I got fixed up and back on the road, I was parked on the shoulder of Highway 101, waiting for Classic Towing to get me to another state – Washington. Thank God for AAA. I’m on the Premier towing package. Nothing but the best for my baby. Funny that I broke down on the way to the repair shop.
Avery’s Air-Cooled always hooks me up, and keeps my bill low. And if you have a Volkswagen, chances are they will have the part you need in stock. Call them to order something at (360) 425-1119 Here’s their website too! http://www.averysaircooled.com/ I will have to shoot some HD video there soon. They have tow truck loads of vintage bugs, buses, and beyond. And if you hang out long enough, you’ll get to see a traveling Art Show as the graffiti passes on the nearby train tracks.
Here’s an HD video production I created filming graffiti on trains in Longview, Washington. Visit Cam’s other YouTube Channel and SUBSCRIBE!
New photo of my 1986 Volkwagen Vanagon at a Rest Area
Recently I camped in a Walmart parking lot on West 11th in Eugene, Oregon. In this HD video you’ll get the scoop on what it’s like to do some urban stealth camping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL. It was noisy, and the space is well lit, but in general, I got great rest. It feels good to be somewhere, and not have to pay for the experience. This was a fun experiment, and I’d recommend it to any Survival Bros. out there. Staying at Walmart for free beats dropping hundreds for a night in a hotel. Would you try this? Live simple my friends. More videos about my summer road trip coming soon. Thanks for visiting my blog! Peace and love.
By Cameron McKirdy
Follow your instincts and win at life!
I love game shows. I’ve always wanted to host one, or play others on TV. A new program called Let’s Ask America gave me the chance to claim $50,000. Using a webcam and Skype I played from my apartment, and represented for my city of Seaside, Oregon. The episode I starred in aired on my 30th birthday. It was the best gift ever. I dominated the competition, and maintained a lead the entire game. One by one I picked off the challengers. I attribute all of my success to following my instincts. I went with my gut. Even though we were playing before a live studio audience in Hollywood, I kept my cool. I racked up $6,600 heading into the final question. I decided to bank $5k, and risk $1,600 which could be doubled. I guessed the correct answer and screamed in joy. My total winnings ended up being $8,200! The crowd went wild, and I ran my mouth. The host Kevin Pereira asked what I would do with the money and I said, “Well Kev, shout out to William Blake and da Vinci, but I think I’m the greatest artist of all time. So I’m going to buy some Art supplies, and get my ideas out there.” The Daily Astorian wrote an article on my victory. Here’s the two clips the show has uploaded on their YouTube channel.
Survival Bros Founder Cameron McKirdy goes inside an old American WW2 bunker near the hiker cabins on Tillamook Head. Using a LED headlamp, watch Cam enter the empty fortress. This building housed a radar installation during World War II. The bunkers and cabins are between Ecola State Park, and Seaside, Oregon. There are trails each way. Before your visit, read up on Lewis and Clark’s trip to this beautiful location. Please like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE! Thanks.
More on http://www.cameronmckirdy.com
Inside the World War II bunker near Ecola State Park on Tillamook head in Oregon
An Ultralight backpacker’s 30 liter bag setup
Cameron McKirdy snaps a selfie on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean
The Tillamook Head Trailhead in Seaside, Oregon
Survival Bros backpacks from Indian Beach to Seaside, Oregon. Cameron McKirdy stops at the cabins to show you his gear, and take a nap before hiking back in the dark. Read our previous blog about the trip HERE.
By Cameron McKirdy
On outside:
– S Biners
– Blinking Red Light
– Tool Tether
– Grocery Ties
– Compass Keychain Tool
Front pouch:
– LG G2 with Ballistic Shell Gel Case
– Ear plugs
– Wall charger for smart phone
– Superfood pills – Maca, turmeric, bee pollen, B 12
– Duct Tape on card
– Coast Products PX20 Dual Color flashlight with pouch
– Camera Case (Case Logic)
– Kershaw Blur – Tanto Tiger Stripe folding knife
– Leatherman Skeletool
– Moist Wipes for hygiene
– Toothpaste and travel brush
– Chapstick
– Ballpoint Pen
– Listerine Breath Strips
– Sharpie Oil Pain Pen
– Tide Pen for stains
– Large Professional Sharpie Pen
– Coast Products DX356 knife
– Large Bic Lighter
Main Pouch:
– LED LENSER H14 Headlamp
– Dri-Fit Nike Hat – Go Ducks!
– OPTIONAL: Change of clothes, solar panel
– Notebook for ideas, contacts, calculator
– GSI Outdoors Stainless Steel 1 Liter bottle
– Mechanix Wear M Covert Gloves (Large)
– Coast Products F611 Survival Knife with glass breaker
– Camelbak 3 Liter hydration pack
Right Side Pouch:
– Food Kit, Airborne Plus Energy Mix, raw food bars, honey, protein bars, condoms, vitamins, Chapstick sample, sugar, oatmeal, dish-washing soap, tea, salmon packets, instant soup, microwavable popcorn, and more Antibacterial Moist Wipes (may sting the B hole)
Left Side Pouch:
– Aluminum Free deodorant, poncho, emergency blanket, Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Kit, spare cell phone and charger, camera charger and camera, shampoo, soap
Notes: Everyday Carry Backpack items change all the time. Make something like this for yourself for everyday emergency preparedness. My pack also has a rain cover, but I have considered buying a medium sized dry bag. I also carry 3m protective sunglasses, paracord bracelet, keychain with tools, one Hoo-Rag bandana, my wallet, and a mace pen, but the self-defense weapon fell out in my van before filming. Oh well, I survived. Please like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube. We are on Facebook too! Thanks for watching. Peace and love.
Photo of the full EDC Backpack Gear Setup for Survival Bros.
Cameron McKirdy from Survival Bros shows you how to gather freebies at a motel. Embrace hoarding, and be the real prepper you can be. Not that I’d do it, but I bet you could walk into any hotel and politely ask for another shampoo, soap, and coffee and you’d get hooked up without being questioned about what room you are staying in. Just saying. I’ve already put my freebies in Ziploc bags for storage. Happy prepping. Please SUBSCRIBE to Survival Bros on YouTube! Thank you.
I’ve meet most of the famous people that have influenced my life in a positive way, and it’s not by accident. For the first time ever, I’m divulging my tactics on how to meet celebrities, including artists, athletes, and other inspirational, culturally significant folks. You may say, “hey Cam, what’s this got to do with SURVIVAL?” Well, I believe meeting legends improves you as a person, and at the end of the day, all you can hope for is that you are better than the day before.
I think I got hooked on approaching stars in my childhood, when I stalked Portland Trail Blazer players after games with my dad. They’d be gingerly strolling to their luxury cars, and I’d go in for the kill. I offered them a basketball to sign with my Sharpie. Any good autograph seeker knows to bring their own fresh permanent pen. Nothing is worse that standing in front of your hero trying to bum a pen for a signature. I caught up to Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, Terry Porter, Buck Williams, and the rest of the old school Blazers. I remember weaseling close enough to the locker room entrance too, so that I could high five all the players as they ran out on the court. After that, I didn’t wash my hand for a week. My mom made me in the end.
I learned as a kid how to approach cool people. First I would say something like, “Hey, I’m a big fan. I just wanted to say hi, and ask for you autograph.” They usually obliged, but I’ve had more than my fair share of epic snubs. More on that in a second. Basically, if you see a celebrity, be chill like them. I offer up a compliment, but don’t go overboard. Plus, I tell them something about myself, that they can relate to. I find common ground. For instance, when I went up to UFC star Chael Sonnen at an amateur MMA event, I shook his hand and told him I was also an Oregon Duck. Then I mentioned being a ring announcer for mixed martial arts fights in Seaside, Oregon. I told him maybe I would announce his name one day in the octagon. I had his attention, and he was happy to pose for a picture, and sign an autograph for me. I have more autographs than a memorabilia dealer. Meeting athletes is easy. Catch them before or after the event, and be polite.
I’ve been snubbed by stars too. Jack Nickalus passed me by. Arnold Palmer told me he had signed enough autographs that day. But the biggest snub of all-time comes from the punk Greg Oden. This Blazer washout walked by me on Burnside in Portland, while I was talking on my phone. I hung up, and casually approached him while waiting for a crosswalk light to change. We were the only ones on the block. I said, “hey Greg, I’m a big fan (lie), and I just wanted to say hi and shake your hand.” Greg Oden looked me up and down, and then looked away, not saying a word. I backed up slowly proclaiming, “Greg Oden just snubbed me!” Then I yelled for all of PDX to hear, “Greg Oden is too good for the world!!!” The realest thing I’ve ever said. I told that story on my radio show on the Oregon Coast. I still plan to burn his basketball card on camera. It will never be worth anything.
Most celebs aren’t goons, so don’t be afraid to go up to them. One of my favorite encounters was when I slept on the street in Los Angeles to have a chance as a contestant on The Price is Right. I went during spring break right after I turned 18. It took 14 hours of waiting in line before I stormed CBS Studios and sat front row, one seat over from Contestant’s Row. I didn’t play any pricing games that day, but I did have a long conversation with Bob Barker himself. He towered over me, high on the stage. During a commercial break I had the courage to raise my hand and ask him a question, but not a stupid one. I’m sure he’d been asked during every damn taping about when he is doing Happy Gilmore 2. I could tell Bob was sick of that comment, so I buttered him up like hot corn on the cob. He read my price tag name tag, “Yes Cameron.” I said, “Bob, after all these years, how do you look so good, and stay so fit?” Perfectly executed. He rambled for 5 minutes about his days in the military, and training, and so on, then went back to the show. However, to my surprise, when he was way across the stage during the next break he said, “anyways Cameron, back to your question.” I still have that yellow price tag sticker with my name on it.
I could go on all day about the well-known people I’ve met. Mainly, you just need to be on the lookout. Get very familiar with the faces of people you appreciate. Be ready to approach, and try to know their schedule. When I worked at the mall running a kiosk, I had mini football helmets stocked, so I could throw up my back in whenever I feel like it sign, and get that autograph. This was in Eugene, and athletes from Oregon and around the country shopped there. I even had one foot by one foot sections of hardwood floor on standby for basketballers to sign. I remember bothering U of O sensation Luke Jackson for an autograph when I finally hunted him down in Macy’s. He said, “what do you just carry pieces of wood around?” I said yes, but he scribbled on one anyway. I met comedian Carlos Mencia in the mall too, and Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin’s family. My picture with Bindi Irwin is classic.
This is getting long, but the point is that you can meet influential people too. Have guts, be ready, and meet them with confidence. Gifts don’t hurt either. I once went to legendary Air Jordan shoe designer Tinker Hatfield’s pad with a house warming gift. I crashed his party, but he invited me in anyways. I gave him the best ceramic vase I’d ever made. He put it on his mantle, and gave me a 45 minute tour. Just goes to show you that if you appreciate others, they will appreciate you. I can’t imagine the person I’d be if I hadn’t met the people that inspire me to go hard. The World is yours. Don’t let anybody bring you down. Meeting famous people is your God given right.
From top left: Cameron McKirdy with Haloti Ngata (NFL), Joey Chestnut (#1 Pro Eater), Aston Eaton (#1 athlete on Earth), Bindi Irwin (Freed Willy), Chael Sonnen (UFC), Badlands Booker (rapper, competitive eating champion), Joey Harrington (Oregon Duck QB), Erick Lindgren (#1 poker player in the world), Terrell Brandon (NBA All-star)
Survival Bros recently had the opportunity to tour The Fruit Loop near Mt. Hood. This abundant area is less than 1 hour from Portland. We checked out farms, orchards, vineyards, lavender fields, and even an alpaca ranch. It was a scrumptious trip. I stocked up on all sorts of goodies, and tried every free sample imaginable.
The first spot we rolled up on was Mt. View Orchards Inc. My parents have been there before, and already knew they had some of the best prices on fresh fruit. We were in the market for a variety of apples, blueberries, and peaches specifically, since they are in season now and being celebrated. This fruit stand is located in Parkdale, with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. The fruit looked even better, and I took the opportunity to use a fruit picker to snag the choicest peaches growing on huge, abundant trees. There were several types to try, including excellent tiny donut-shaped peaches. After picking a box full, we headed to the store there to pay and try all the samples. There was apple cider, dried pears with cinnamon-sugar, raw honey, fudge, and every kind of jam and peppered jelly you could imagine. Calorie restriction didn’t cross my mind. Before we bounced to the next farm, I examined and swooped up six ears of sweet corn for a buck.
Next stop was Draper Girls Country Farm. They offer U-pick and We-pick varieties of cherries, nectarines, pears, prunes, etc. However, Survival Bros and Co. were more interested in the goats and pigs. They are USDA approved, and so damn cute. We said hi to them, snapped pictures, tried their fruit samples, and rolled on. We got most of our fruit at the first stop. Draper Girls were pretty proud of their bounty, but it’s still cheaper than the grocery store. Fun place, and beautiful. They made me crave some fresh goat milk for sure. If you’re looking for a vacation, Draper Girls rents out the farm house year round.
A short drive down the road was Cascade Alpacas and Foothills Yarn & Fiber. Can’t say I’d seen an alpaca before. These goofy creatures have a purpose though. They produce soft yarn for knitting, crocheting, weaving, and spinning. The yarn shop had a huge selection of equipment, and gifts. I liked the beanies and socks, but spent my money on feeding the alpacas instead. They were hungrier than me! So I fattened them up with alfalfa pellets. I did try to eat an alpaca, but the owner said no. That would be like eating a horse. Which way to the BBQ? The alpaca farm was worth the trip. We even got to see some babies. They sheer the young ones for yarn after just a few weeks.
After nearly biting into an alpaca, I needed to relax. The Hood River Lavender Farms were next. It features epic views of Mt. Adams, Hood, and the Hood River Valley. The small gift shop had Lavender Oil, lotions, and other products derived from the 70+ types of certified organic lavender grown there. We didn’t stay long, or even pick a bouquet, but it was interesting. They were also growing hops on the shop, which was cool.
About this time we got hungry and ate lunch in town at an authentic Mexican joint. Then Survival Bros went to the Apple Valley Country Store and Bakery. I regret not getting their BBQ. How about some cherry-wood smoked ribs? Instead I opted for marionberry pie with Tillamook vanilla ice cream. Here they had tons of free samples. Below is a photo of us putting apple butter on a cracker. I’d go back to this country store.
We made a quick stop at the Mt. Hood Winery. They had live music, and a big tasting room that wasn’t too crowded. I didn’t feel like spending $7 on a glass of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, or anything else. I had a taste, but I think it was just too hot out, and my belly had had enough. I was most impressed with the vintage James Bond movie posters in the men’s restroom. I almost busted the camera out for those, but decided against the bathroom photography. It’s a nice place. Finally we traveled to The Gorge White House, where they serve Mt. Hood wines, and some 25 other local bottles. This historic home sits on a century old working farm. My crew sipped their hard ciders. I enjoyed the mixed berry variety. In The Gorge White House we drank a “Heritage Pear Wine.” It was tasty, so I took a bottle home for $19. There was lots going on here, between a bridal shower, the store, a food cart, tasting rooms, and a massive flower garden to explore. You’ll want to visit this farm. All said and done, nothing beats the splendor of Oregon’s Hood River County Fruit Loop. It’s 35 miles of vast orchards, farms, fruit stands and kind people. I did all this in a day, but you could easily spend two full days leisurely strolling along this community. Visit www.hoodriverfruitloop.com for more info. Thanks for stopping by the Survival Bros blog.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 